With Maxence Lacroix seemingly heading to Chelsea, we’ve taken a look at what the French media are saying after France’s win over Norway.
Maxence Lacroix justified his surprise inclusion in France’s starting lineup with a commanding performance during their 4-1 World Cup group-stage victory over Norway. Chosen by Didier Deschamps to refresh the backline, the Crystal Palace centre-back put in an assured 90-minute shift.
He proved essential in neutralising Norway’s physical threats, though it was a Norweigan side that didn’t feature Martin Odegaard or Erling Haaland.
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It was a positive watch, especially with Chelsea set to sign Lacroix for £55 million as soon as the World Cup is over for France.
Maxence Lacroix gets a respectable review from the French media
After Lacroix’s display against Norway, Maxifoot were quick with their player ratings.
5.5/10 – Lined up to give Saliba a breather, the central defender of the French team generally held his rank. Author of an important intervention to make up for a poor restart by Upamecano in the first half, the future Chelsea player was present in the duels and clean in his transmissions. On the goal conceded, he has nothing to reproach himself for.
Meanwhile, Franceinfo were slightly kinder with their rating.
6/10 – Preferred to Ibrahima Konate to give William Saliba a breather, the Crystal Palace defender lived up to his new status as number three in central defence. Solid in the duel, serene in the restart without falling into excessive risk-taking, the Crystal Palace defender, called up for the first time in Les Bleus in March, continues his rapid acclimatisation.
Maxence Lacroix’s stats against Norway
Lacroix managed 57 touches, a passing accuracy percentage of 93, one pass into the final third and one accurate long pass, two tackles, one interception, one block, three recoveries, five clearances, winning three out of nine duels and committing two fouls.
The three recoveries come as no surprise given the sheer pace of Lacroix, who is up there as one of the fastest in the Premier League.
And the passing ability only strengthens his case for the Xabi Alonso system.
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